22 Best Nightstand Decorating Ideas
Nightstands are the unsung heroes of the bedroom. While they may seem like a mere afterthought to the more prominent pieces like the bed or wardrobe, the right nightstand can make or break the entire vibe of a room.
Whether you’re a minimalist, a maximalist, or somewhere in between, there are endless possibilities for styling your nightstand in a way that reflects your personality while keeping it functional.
But more than that, it’s about creating a space where the first thing you see in the morning and the last thing you touch at night brings you comfort, peace, and a little bit of joy.
In this guide, I’ll take you through 22 of the best nightstand decorating ideas to transform this modest piece of furniture into a statement-making focal point of your bedroom. Let’s dive right in.
1. Keep It Simple with Minimalism
The minimalist approach to nightstand decoration is all about restraint and simplicity. Imagine this: a sleek, modern nightstand, with just a few carefully selected items that serve both a practical and aesthetic purpose. This approach creates a serene, clutter-free space, ideal for those who crave a clean and peaceful environment.
- What to include: A stylish table lamp, a small potted plant, and a few well-chosen books or a decorative tray.
- Why it works: It’s effortless yet refined, and it allows the nightstand itself to shine as part of the room’s overall design.
Personal Story: I once lived in a small apartment with a teeny-tiny bedroom, and my nightstand was my sanctuary. Keeping it sparse with just a beautiful candle and a vintage clock helped me feel like I had more space than I actually did, and I woke up every morning with a sense of calm.
2. Go Bold with Colorful Accessories
If neutral tones aren’t your thing, embrace bold and vibrant colors. A nightstand becomes a fun canvas for experimenting with color, and it can inject personality into an otherwise muted room. Go for bright throw pillows, bold art, or even a statement lamp that stands out against the backdrop of your bedroom’s color palette.
- What to include: Bright lampshades, colorful books, or a set of patterned coasters.
- Why it works: Color adds energy to the space, making it feel dynamic and unique. It’s like a little burst of creativity right beside your bed.
3. Create a Nature-Inspired Nightstand
There’s something so calming about bringing elements of nature indoors. Whether it’s a fresh plant, a small wooden sculpture, or even a few stones arranged in a neat line, nature-inspired decor has the power to soften a room and provide a sense of tranquility.
- What to include: Succulents or air plants, a small terrarium, or a driftwood sculpture.
- Why it works: These elements evoke a sense of peace and relaxation—perfect for a nightstand where you unwind at the end of the day.
Personal Story: My own nightstand became my little “green corner” after I added a few potted plants. Every time I watered them, it was a reminder to slow down and take a moment for myself, especially in the hustle and bustle of daily life.
4. Go for a Vintage Vibe
If you love a bit of nostalgia, consider adding a vintage touch to your nightstand. Antique brass lamps, old books with leather-bound spines, and delicate porcelain trinkets can all give your space a charming, old-world feel.
- What to include: An antique lamp, a stack of old hardcover books, and maybe even a vintage clock or frame.
- Why it works: Vintage decor adds warmth and character to your space, making it feel lived-in and full of history.
5. Stack Books for a Stylish Statement
Books are more than just functional; they are also a visual statement that can give a nightstand personality. Whether you have a towering stack of your favorite novels or a curated collection of beautiful coffee table books, books are an easy way to elevate your nightstand’s style.
- What to include: A stack of books, either vertically or horizontally, topped with a small decorative object.
- Why it works: Books act as both decor and functional items, and they allow you to display your interests and passions right next to your bed.
6. Add a Personal Touch with Photos
A nightstand is a perfect spot to display meaningful photos of loved ones or personal moments. You can opt for sleek frames for a modern look or vintage-inspired ones for a more classic feel.
- What to include: Framed photos of family, friends, or places that inspire you.
- Why it works: Photos create a sense of connection and warmth, adding a personal touch that makes your bedroom feel uniquely yours.
7. Incorporate Metallic Accents
A little metallic sheen can go a long way in elevating the style of your nightstand. Think brass, gold, or silver accents in the form of a sleek lamp, metallic trays, or decorative objects.
- What to include: A gold lamp, a metallic tray, or a set of brass candle holders.
- Why it works: Metallic accents bring a touch of glam to the space, while still maintaining a sense of balance and elegance.
8. Use a Decorative Tray for Organization
A nightstand can quickly become a cluttered space if you’re not careful. One of the simplest ways to tidy up the surface is to use a decorative tray. It helps organize your everyday essentials like your phone, keys, or wallet while still adding to the overall design.
- What to include: A decorative tray with a candle, small vase, and other little items you use daily.
- Why it works: A tray can corral items neatly while still providing a stylish focal point for your nightstand.
9. Incorporate Your Favorite Art Piece
Add a splash of creativity by incorporating a piece of artwork or a framed print. This can be something meaningful to you, or simply an abstract piece that complements the colors of your room.
- What to include: A framed piece of art or a small sculpture.
- Why it works: Art brings personality and life to any space. Having it next to your bed gives it a quiet but impactful presence.
10. Create a Serene Space with Candles
Candles are perfect for setting the mood—whether you want a calming ambiance or a romantic glow. They’re easy to incorporate into a nightstand setup, and they come in a variety of scents that can help you wind down for the night.
- What to include: Scented candles in pretty holders, or even unscented ones in decorative jars.
- Why it works: The soft flicker of candlelight adds an intimate and peaceful vibe to the room, perfect for winding down before bed.
11. Go Modern with a Floating Nightstand
For a more contemporary approach, try a floating nightstand. This modern take on traditional nightstands keeps the space underneath open, giving your room a more airy, spacious feel.
- What to include: A floating shelf with a lamp, a small plant, and a few decorative pieces.
- Why it works: Floating nightstands are sleek, practical, and help open up the space—perfect for smaller rooms.
12. Embrace a Boho-Chic Style
For a laid-back, eclectic look, a boho-inspired nightstand is the way to go. Think rattan, wicker, and earthy tones. Add textured materials like macramé, beads, and vintage fabrics for that carefree vibe.
- What to include: A rattan lamp, a woven basket, and a few natural fiber items.
- Why it works: The boho aesthetic is relaxed and cozy, creating a peaceful retreat where you can truly unwind.
13. Add a Touch of Luxe with Marble
Marble never goes out of style. Incorporating a marble accent, whether it’s a marble lamp base or a marble tray, adds sophistication and timeless elegance to your nightstand.
- What to include: A marble lamp, a marble tray, or a small marble sculpture.
- Why it works: Marble exudes luxury and timeless style. It adds an air of refinement to any space, no matter how casual or formal the rest of the room is.
14. Mix Old and New for Eclectic Style
Eclectic design is all about combining different styles, eras, and materials. A mix of vintage and modern pieces can create an intriguing and personalized nightstand.
- What to include: A vintage clock next to a sleek modern lamp or a stack of old books alongside a contemporary vase.
- Why it works: This approach adds character and personality to the room, while avoiding the stiffness of uniformity.
15. Make It Functional with a Charging Station
In today’s tech-driven world, your nightstand is likely home to a variety of gadgets. But that doesn’t mean it has to look cluttered. Invest in a nightstand with built-in charging ports or use a sleek charging station to keep your devices organized and ready for use.
- What to include: A charging station, or a nightstand with USB ports and storage.
- Why it works: It keeps your devices handy without cluttering the surface, allowing you to keep everything in place without compromising on style.
16. Add a Touch of Whimsy
If you’re someone who loves a playful touch, why not infuse your nightstand with a bit of whimsy? Choose quirky decor items like colorful sculptures, playful mugs, or even a small globe.
- What to include: A fun little object, like a quirky figurine or a unique lamp.
- Why it works: It adds character and playfulness, giving your bedroom a lighthearted feel.
17. Keep It Clean with a Clear Acrylic Nightstand
If you’re all about modern design, a clear acrylic or glass nightstand could be the perfect fit. This material gives the illusion of space and blends seamlessly with any bedroom decor.
- What to include: A small lamp, a clear acrylic tray, and maybe a decorative object or two.
- Why it works: The transparency of the material keeps things light and airy while still looking sleek and chic.
18. Opt for a Nightstand with Storage
For those who need more functionality, choose a nightstand with drawers or hidden compartments. This lets you store away essentials like books, medications, or journals out of sight, keeping your nightstand neat and tidy.
- What to include: A nightstand with functional drawers or compartments, complemented by a sleek lamp.
- Why it works: It keeps clutter out of sight while offering storage for your nighttime essentials.
19. Go Industrial with Raw Materials
If you love the look of industrial spaces, incorporate raw materials like steel, concrete, or reclaimed wood. Pair these with more refined accessories like a sleek lamp or a vintage clock for contrast.
- What to include: A metal or concrete lamp, a rustic wooden tray, or industrial-style objects.
- Why it works: It creates an urban, modern look while still maintaining warmth and functionality.
20. Play with Height and Proportions
To add visual interest, mix up the height of the objects on your nightstand. This could mean stacking books of varying sizes or opting for a tall lamp next to smaller decor pieces.
- What to include: A mix of tall and short items, like a tall vase or lamp paired with smaller books.
- Why it works: This adds depth and movement, making the nightstand visually appealing.
21. Go for an Art Deco Look
For a more luxurious, glamorous feel, incorporate art deco elements such as geometric shapes, mirrored surfaces, and bold lines. This design style brings sophistication to any space.
- What to include: A mirrored tray, geometric lamps, or bold, angular vases.
- Why it works: The opulence of art deco adds drama and elegance to the bedroom.
22. Bring in a Touch of Glamour with Crystal Accents
Crystal accents can add a touch of glamour and refinement to your nightstand. From crystal lamps to glass trinkets or even crystal coasters, these reflective pieces catch the light beautifully.
- What to include: A crystal lamp, decorative crystal objects, or crystal-framed photos.
- Why it works: Crystal elements are timeless, glamorous, and versatile enough to pair with a variety of other styles.
Conclusion
Your nightstand is more than just a functional piece of furniture—it’s a chance to showcase your personal style, creativity, and taste.
Whether you opt for a minimalist look, a vintage vibe, or a playful mix of both, the possibilities are endless.
So take the time to experiment, mix, and match until you create a nightstand that not only holds your essentials but also adds to the overall vibe of your bedroom.
